What Food to Intake When You Have Diabetes?

Diabetes is the most common problem among millions of people. It is associated with increased sugar levels in the blood. Managing diabetes is crucial to preventing several complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and improving blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be managed by balanced food intake. Here are several food choices that we should make when people have diabetes. The list of food is shared by the Best diabetologist in Chennai who practices at Magna Centre, a leading endocrinology center in Chennai: 

1. Non-Starchy Vegetables: Non-starchy vegetables are diabetes-friendly foods. This includes leafy greens (like spinach, kale, and collard greens), broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini. It maintains blood sugar levels as it contains low carbohydrates and calories. These vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and fibers that are necessary for good health. 

2. Whole Grains: Whole grains play a significant role in managing diabetes. It includes brown rice, oats, and barley. It contains fiber that helps to slow down carbohydrate absorption and maintain blood sugar levels. It also promotes satisfaction, which means increasing the feeling of fullness and helps in reducing calorie intake. 

3. Lean Proteins: Lean protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing blood sugar levels and maintaining good health. It includes chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans. This increases the intake of healthy fats and prevents heart disease.  You can learn more options by consulting the best endocrinologist in Chennai at Magna Centre. As sometimes these food requirements can change based on patient history and other requirements.

4. Healthy Fats: Healthy fats in the diet help in managing diabetes and lower the risk of heart disease. It includes avocados, olive oil, nuts (like almonds, walnuts, and cashews), seeds (like chia seeds, and flaxseeds), fatty fish (like salmon, and sardines). Plant-based unsaturated fats and fatty fish help to improve cholesterol levels. This also contributes to lower absorption of carbohydrates. 

5. Low-Glycemic Fruits: Low-glycemic fruits help in managing diabetes. It includes berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), apples, pears, oranges and cherries. These fruits have fiber that slows down carbohydrate absorption and promotes satiety. It also maintains blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose. 

6. Legumes and Beans: Legumes and beans are helpful in stabilizing blood sugar levels as they contain fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates. It includes black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas. It slows down the absorption of glucose and develops a feeling of fullness, making it long-lasting energy. 

Diabetes patients must be specific about their food and medication. Learn more about managing diabetes with the Best diabetologist in Chennai, at Magna Centre.